King Edward VI Handsworth School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school. This is a high performing school where students make rapid progress and reach exceptionally high standards.

The sixth form is outstanding. Students maintain their high attainment levels as a result of the consistently outstanding teaching and a curriculum that is closely matched to their needs and aspirations. Teaching is of a consistent high quality.

Teachers have high expectations of their students. Teachers' excellent subject knowledge inspires and engages students in their learning. Behaviour is immaculate in lessons.

Girls show a thirst for learning. They told inspectors how the school enabled them to thrive and dev...elop as individuals. Behaviour around school is also exemplary.

Attendance rates are well above average. The school strives to keep its students safe and ensures that they are provided with the information they need to keep themselves safe. The headteacher is an excellent role model for the girls.

She and her senior team lead by example and are relentless in their demands for high-quality performance from all staff. Procedures to ensure that teaching quality is consistently high are extremely thorough. Subject leadership is very strong.

Leaders take an active part in driving improvement and ensuring that high standards are sustained. The inspirational learning environment and the well-planned curriculum enable students not only to develop academically, but also to develop creativity, self-confidence and to grow as individuals.

Information about this school

King Edward VI Handsworth School converted to become an academy on 1 August 2011.

When its predecessor school, of the same name, was last inspected by Ofsted, it was judged to be outstanding. The school is part of the King Edward VI Foundation. This all-girls selective school is smaller than the average-sized secondary school.

The proportion of students from minority ethnic heritages is above the national average with the largest group being of Indian heritage. The proportion speaking English as an additional language is also above average. The proportion of disabled students and those who have special educational needs supported at school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is very low, and none are supported at school action.

The proportion of students eligible for the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for some students including those in local authority care and those known to be eligible for free school meals, is below average. No students attend any offsite alternative provision. The school meets the government's floor standards, which set the minimum expectations for students' attainment and progress.